The Canadian Football League (CFL) has a storied history filled with iconic Grey Cup moments, legendary players, and historic rivalries that shined on TonyBet screens. However, beneath the well-documented highlights, the league has also been home to several fascinating yet forgotten moments that deserve recognition. From unexpected rule changes to international expansion and bizarre game-day incidents, here are some lesser-known events that shaped the CFL’s past.
1. The Fog Bowl: A Championship Lost in the Mist
The 50th Grey Cup in 1962, known as the Fog Bowl, remains one of the most unusual games in CFL history. The championship, played between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Toronto’s Exhibition Stadium, had to be completed over two days due to an intense fog rolling in from Lake Ontario. By the second half, visibility was so poor that players could barely see the ball, let alone each other. Fans in the stands were completely unaware of what was happening on the field. Eventually, officials postponed the final 9 minutes and 29 seconds to the following day—making it the only Grey Cup in history played over two days. Winnipeg held on to their lead, securing a 28-27 victory.
2. When the CFL Expanded to the United States
One of the most unusual periods in CFL history occurred in the mid-1990s when the league expanded into the United States. Between 1993 and 1995, CFL teams were established in cities such as Sacramento, Las Vegas, Baltimore, and Memphis. The move was an attempt to grow the league’s financial stability, but it was met with mixed results. The Baltimore Stallions were the most successful of the U.S.-based teams, winning the Grey Cup in 1995, becoming the first and only American team to do so. However, financial struggles and logistical challenges forced the CFL to abandon the experiment after the 1995 season. The Stallions were later relocated to Montreal, reviving the Alouettes franchise.
3. The 1948 Grey Cup: The Game That Changed Canadian Football
The 1948 Grey Cup between the Calgary Stampeders and Ottawa Rough Riders wasn’t just significant for the game itself, but for what happened off the field. Calgary fans brought a Western-style celebration to Toronto, parading horses through the streets and even into hotels. The city had never seen such enthusiasm for a football game before. This spirit helped transform the Grey Cup into the national celebration it is today, where fans from across Canada unite to celebrate football regardless of which teams are playing. The Stampeders also won the game, completing the first undefeated season in CFL history.
4. The CFL’s Quickest Touchdown Ever
Scoring a touchdown on the opening kickoff is a rare feat, but doing it in record time is even rarer. In 1992, Chris Williams of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats set a CFL record by returning a missed field goal for a touchdown in just seven seconds. Williams, one of the league’s most electric returners, caught the ball deep in his own end zone and ran it back the full length of the field. While records like passing yards and rushing touchdowns are widely celebrated, this moment stands out as one of the fastest scores in league history—yet remains largely forgotten.
5. The Ice Bowl: The 1977 Grey Cup’s Traction Scandal
Another bizarre weather-impacted Grey Cup took place in 1977, when the Montreal Alouettes and Edmonton Eskimos played in what became known as the Ice Bowl. The field at Olympic Stadium was completely frozen, making footing impossible for the players. In a clever move, Alouettes defensive back Tony Proudfoot and his teammates attached staples to their cleats for extra traction. The strategy worked, as Montreal dominated the game, winning 41-6. This unusual adaptation remains one of the most creative mid-game adjustments in CFL history.
6. The Time a Fan Stole the Game Ball
One of the strangest moments in CFL history happened in the 1954 Grey Cup when a fan stole the game ball during the final moments. With the Edmonton Eskimos leading the Montreal Alouettes in the dying seconds, a fan ran onto the field and grabbed the ball before disappearing into the crowd. The officials had to scramble to find a replacement ball to finish the game. Edmonton won 26-25, and the mystery of the missing game ball remains unsolved to this day.
7. The 1961 Overtime Grey Cup
The first Grey Cup game to ever go into overtime was in 1961, when the Winnipeg Blue Bombers faced the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. At the time, overtime was an extremely rare occurrence in professional football. The game was tied 14-14 at the end of regulation, forcing the two teams to battle through two additional 10-minute periods. Winnipeg ultimately emerged victorious with a 21-14 win. This game set the precedent for future playoff and championship overtime games in the CFL.
CFL History
The CFL’s history is filled with thrilling moments, but many of them have been overshadowed by more famous events. Whether it’s a game-altering weather phenomenon, a strategic innovation, or an international experiment, these forgotten moments highlight the unique and unpredictable nature of Canadian football. As the league continues to evolve, remembering these lesser-known achievements helps fans appreciate the rich and diverse history of the CFL.